YCH Group to Become More Manpower-Lean and Build a Stronger Singapore Core via SkillsFuture Collaborations with WDA

Jul 27, 2015 12:00:00 AM

YCH Group to Become More Manpower-Lean and Build a Stronger Singapore Core via SkillsFuture Collaborations with WDA

Singapore, 27 July 2015 - YCH Group, Asia Pacific's leading integrated end-to-end supply chain management and logistics partner, today signalled its intent to become more manpower-lean and build a stronger Singapore core by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA).

The MOU demonstrates the homegrown company's commitment towards the national SkillsFuture movement. Over the next three years, YCH will collaborate with WDA in five key areas:

a)

SkillsFuture Earn and Learn Programme for Logistics
YCH will participate in the SkillsFuture Earn and Programme, offer overseas attachment opportunities to its employees and provide scholarships to its top performers. It will also offer the programme to its interns upon their graduation from the polytechnics. This will create a pipeline of local talents, thus building a stronger Singapore core and supporting internal succession planning.

b)

Individual Learning Portfolio (ILP) and SkillsFuture Credit
YCH will encourage its employees to take greater ownership for their training and career development via the ILP, and support efforts by its employees to utilise the SkillsFuture Credit for work skills-related courses. Through these initiatives, the company will help its staff to remain employable and achieve skills mastery.

c)

Industry and Enterprise-level Manpower Development Initiatives
To upgrade and transform its workforce, YCH will participate in WDA's industry capability development programmes such as the Enterprise Training Support scheme.

d)

Enhancing Quality of Trainers
YCH will participate in WDA's Adult Educator training programmes such as the Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment and/or Workplace Trainer Programme.

e)

Promoting Technology Solutions to Drive Enterprise Transformation
YCH will collaborate with WDA to showcase innovative technology solutions for the logistics and supply chain sectors, as well as the downstream productivity outcomes for customers in the services and manufacturing sectors. These will present opportunities to create higher value-added jobs, enhance competitiveness, raise productivity and achieve manpower-lean growth across companies in the ecosystem.

Mr Bennett Neo, Chief Executive Officer of YCH Group, said: "We are delighted to collaborate with WDA to pave a different landscape for Singapore's logistics sector, particularly through the enhancement of skills mastery for both existing and future talents. We are committed to leading and driving the logistics industry in the adoption of SkillsFuture and other national manpower initiatives - working closely with Government agencies, trade associations, educational institutions and unions to provide opportunities to support our workforce to acquire and deepen skills through lifelong learning."

Mr Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive of WDA said: "It is important for employers to become more manpower-lean, build a strong Singapore core and maintain their competitiveness amid the ongoing economic restructuring and tight labour market. Employers can tap on SkillsFuture and other WDA programmes to attract, develop and retain skilled local talent, and encourage lifelong learning among their workforce. This MOU illustrates the key role that employers can play in providing Singaporeans with good jobs, encouraging deep-skilling and skills mastery, as well as building up their manpower and technology capabilities."

YCH is unionised under the National Transport Workers' Union (NTWU). The company will work with WDA and NTWU to encourage its employees to embrace the individual-centric SkillsFuture initiatives covered under the MOU.

Mr Rosmani Bin Juraini, President of NTWU, said: "I am heartened to see that the MOU empowers YCH employees to plan and realise their training and career development plans through the ILP and SkillsFuture Credit. NTWU is fully supportive of such efforts and we look forward to working with WDA to involve more companies in the national SkillsFuture movement."

The company will also work with the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) on manpower-and productivity-focused initiatives for the logistics and supply chain sector.

Mr Gilbert Tan, Chief Executive Officer of e2i, said: "e2i has been partnering YCH to drive productivity initiatives, raise wages and provide progression pathways for workers in the logistics and supply chain sector. Going forward, we are happy to work closely with YCH to develop Singapore into a smarter and more innovative supply chain city with the aim to improve job value for workers and service for customers."

About YCH Group Pte Ltd

Founded in 1955 and headquartered in Singapore, YCH Group is the leading end-to-end supply chain solutions partner to some of the world's largest companies and favourite brands across the Asia Pacific region. Its suite of innovative award-winning end-to-end supply chain management solutions deliver powerful competitive advantages that are best-in-class across industry clusters from consumer and electronics to chemical and healthcare, as well as e-commerce. A strong proponent of innovation, YCH is recognized for its 7PL™ approach in seamlessly integrating supply chain strategy with execution.

As an extended family enterprise, YCH was awarded the May Day Model Partnership Awards 2014 for embracing diversity, encouraging continuous learning and the creation of a productive, resilient and sustainable workforce. The organization also won the Supply Chain Asia 'Overall Partner of the Year' and 'Supply Chain Security' awards in the same year, demonstrating its strong commitment to developing symbiotic partnerships with world-class customers.

YCH commemorates its 60th anniversary Diamond Jubilee this year in 2015, with a revamped CSR focus on Education, Environment and Engagement. For further information, please visit www.ych.com

About Singapore Workforce Development Agency

The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) enhances the competitiveness of our workforce by encouraging workers to learn for life and advance with skills. In today's economy, most jobs require not just knowledge, but also skills. WDA collaborates with employers, industry associations, the Union and training organisations, to develop and strengthen the Continuing Education and Training system that is skills-based, open and accessible, as a mainstream pathway for all workers - young and older, from rank and file to professionals and executives - to upgrade and advance in their careers and lives. For more information, please visit www.wda.gov.sg.